March is Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Month

CHERRY HILL, N.J., March 1, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- During MS Awareness Month, the Multiple Sclerosis Association of America (MSAA) invites the MS community to participate in a wide array of activities and events to help manage their MS:

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• Register for MSAA's webinar "MS on the Fast Track: The 411" and have your questions about MS answered, by Mark Tullman, MD, Assistant Professor of Neurology and Director of the Columbia University MS Clinical Care Center. Sign up today!
• Looking to help your children build a better understanding about your MS or a loved one's MS? Attend one of MSAA's children's programs (link will go here) geared at helping to bridge the communication gap between parents with MS and their children.
• Have you and your family explore msassociation.org! Learn about the various programs and services MSAA offers the MS community.
• View one of MSAA's educational videos in the MSi Video Library.
• Attend one of MSAA's educational events. Check the calendar for an event in your area.
• Want to help the MS community? Take time to volunteer with MSAA! There are a wide variety of opportunities, including Swim for MS, MSAA's signature volunteer opportunity. With Swim for MS, you can help to raise funds and awareness -- any pool, any time. See what some of the swimmers have been up to by visiting www.msassociation.org/swimforms.
• Join MSAA's online community. Sign up to receive periodic email updates, become a fan of MSAA on Facebook and follow MSAA on Twitter.

For more information on MS Awareness Month, MSAA, or any of the programs and services MSAA provides, please contact Amanda Bednar, public relations manager at (800) 532-7667, extension 122 or via email at [email protected].

The Multiple Sclerosis Association of America is a national nonprofit charitable organization dedicated to enriching the quality of life for everyone affected by multiple sclerosis. MSAA offers programs and services including a toll-free bilingual Helpline (800-532-7667); informative publications including a magazine, The Motivator; website featuring MSi online educational videos; equipment distribution ranging from grab bars to wheelchairs; cooling accessories for heat-sensitive individuals; MRI funding and insurance advocacy; educational events and activities; Networking Program; Lending Library; and more.

The most common neurological disorder diagnosed in young adults, multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease of the central nervous system. This disorder damages or destroys the protective covering (known as myelin) surrounding the nerves, causing reduced communication between the brain and nerve pathways. Common symptoms include visual problems, overwhelming fatigue, difficulty with balance and coordination, and various levels of impaired mobility. MS is not contagious or fatal.

SOURCE Multiple Sclerosis Association of America